Making Your Travel Easier

Why the resurgence in travel agents?

Cruise Specialists clients have known for years that a travel consultant can improve every aspect of their trip and maybe they’ve simply told enough friends that now everyone is catching on to this travel secret.

We never really went away, so we wouldn’t call it a comeback, but maybe it’s our second act!

In fact, a January report revealed in 2014, 18% of American travelers used traditional travel agents compared to 12% in 2013.

Are people finally tired of stressing themselves out for no reason with hours of online research? Or simply traveling to more exotic locations?

Here are some of the top reasons cited recently around the web for the growing trend:

OVERWHELMED
“There are simply too many travel products in the market today for individuals to decipher on their own,” says James Shillinglaw, editor-in-chief of Travalliancemedia, a media network for travel agencies. “You need a guide to help you cut through all the different things out there that are available.”

SAVINGS
“I have seen in the past people save anywhere from $500 to upwards of $1,000 on a ticket.” said Nina Meyer, president of the American Society of Travel Agents

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
“Big data solves a lot [of problems], but it doesn’t solve the surprise and delight of discovery,” said Arabella Bowen, editor-in-chief of Fodor’s Travel. “There’s no way to get an experience like that except with a travel agent.”

ADVENTURE
Turns out more travelers are looking to break free from the standard vacation and need that extra insight to make the trip safe, affordable and enjoyable.

“… today’s travel agents are there for their clients when they need them most. ” Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben stated. “Because of the size and scope of agency companies like Travel Leaders Group, we’re also able to provide an amazing array of extra amenities and services that our clients would never be able to get on their own. Ultimately, our clients have peace-of-mind and travel better.” Note we are part of Travel Leaders Group.

SATISFACTION
“We’re seeing very high satisfaction levels with using a travel agent, which helps build momentum,” said Clayton Reid, CEO of MMGY Global. “People have said they’ll go back and use a travel agent again because it’s making their trip better.”